Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 BMW 328I Xdrive problems

Owners filed 316 complaints about the 2013 BMW 328I Xdrive with NHTSA between Dec 2012 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (110).

Complaints
316
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
29
Reported by owners
Fires
11
Reported by owners
Injuries
20
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine110
  2. Electrical system72
  3. Engine and engine cooling46
  4. Air bags46
  5. Power train38
  6. Service brakes35
  7. Fuel/propulsion system21
  8. Vehicle speed control13
  9. Structure11
  10. Seat belts10
  11. Steering8
  12. Exterior lighting7
  13. Electronic stability control (esc)6
  14. Seats5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20121
201322
201423
20158
201619
201727
201832
201937
202021
202113
202221
202315
202437
202535
20265

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

110 reports3 crashes7 fires
“2013 BMW 328i, N20 engine. Timing chain guide assembly and oil pump drive chain failed catastrophically. Vehicle is available for inspection, however the authorized BMW dealership has already made clear they will accept no responsibility, and I would bear the expense of towing it two hours to their facility. The failure is a known issue with a class action case, but BMW took no responsibility, and falsified information stating the vehicle showed no signs of an issue when I brought my vehicle in for inspection. Eighteen months before failure, steam came from the engine compartment on a humid day, later connected to the water pump electrical connector recall. Following this, the vehicle ran consistently hotter than normal and lost noticeable power. Twelve months before failure, an intermittent oil pressure warning began triggering under load at highway speeds, particularly on inclines above 70mph. I brought the vehicle to Sandia BMW in Albuquerque, NM and reported all symptoms when I was contacted by them for the recall. The service advisor falsely claimed elevated operating temperature was optimal, suspected a faulty sensor, and returned the vehicle without…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11723979

Electrical system

72 reports2 crashes1 fire
“The contact owned a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving through a drive-thru, smoke and flames emerged from underneath the hood. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased eight days prior to the failure. The contact researched and discovered an unrepaired recall associated with the VIN. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11775168

Engine and engine cooling

46 reports2 fires
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated, and multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle lost power and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump and electrical plug connector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact requested reimbursement for the cost of the repair that was performed prior to the safety recall, but the dealer informed the contact that the reimbursement claim was denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the manufacturer also denied the reimbursement claim. The approximate failure mileage was 89,565.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 11, 2025Engine and engine cooling, Electrical systemODI 11704595

Air bags

46 reports14 crashes2 fires
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The drivetrain and passenger’s side air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH and the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,775.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 28, 2026Power train, Air bagsODI 11753235

Power train

38 reports
“Engine Timing Chain and Oil pump drive chain modules failed. I found this from BMW website that Defect Code: SI B11 03 17: For this vehicle the timing chain and the oil pump drive chain modules (N20, N26 engines) limited Warranty for in defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 7 years / 70000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New vehicle limited warranty for passenger cars and light trucks. for eligible vehicles that are beyond this 7/70 coverage, please refer to SI B11 02 21 for additional coverage that may also apply. I filed a case directly with BMW of NA - they told me get it towed to BMW dealership and get it diagnosed, I followed the instructions and got it diagnosed. BMW dealership confirmed the main cause was the Timing chain broke and engine seized. but BMW declined to do anything about it. please see the link by BMW below: [XXX] $”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11621686

Service brakes

35 reports17 crashes
“I was at the John Wayne Airport, going from the arrivals to departures. I had a lot of stop and go traffic, and when I was going down toward the bottom, my brakes failed. I kept pumping them to try and stop but they were not working. I saw an empty area where the car rental returns were and I was able to pull over and come to a stop. I was very lucky that there was a spot to pull over, I used the emergency brake as well when I finally came to a stop. I want the brake system to be looked into. After seeing the other complaints regarding the exact situation, I do not understand why this was not looked into before I got this car.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 2, 2026Service brakesODI 11754330
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.